Collins relishing challenge at the top
By Daire Walsh
NATHAN Collins is relishing the prospect of playing in the Premier League after joining top-flight outfit Burnley from Stoke City on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
“Everything about it is top drawer. It’s massive.” the former Cherry Orchard underage star told Burnley FC’s official website.
“It’s what I want to do. I want to play in the Premier League. It’s going to be a jump, but I think I can be ready for it. Every season they go into it, Burnley look dangerous. They can always hurt teams and it’s a really attractive team to come and play for,”
“I want a challenge. That’s why I play football – to challenge myself and I can’t wait to get going. I want to play big games, I want to play against these players – I really can’t wait.
“Looking at Burnley, looking at what they’ve done in the last few seasons and what they want for the future; everything played a part. I think they do have big expectations at this club and I want to be part of it.”
Collins parted ways with Stoke City following a five-year stint that saw him making 47 first-team appearances as well as lining out twice for their Under 23 side in the EFL Trophy.
Handed his professional debut by Nathan Jones, the majority of Collins’ games for the Potters came under the tutelage of former Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O’Neill.
In the season just gone – where Stoke finished 14th in the Championship – he found the net twice in 27 appearances.
In August 2019, at the tender age of 18, he became Stoke’s youngest ever captain – a clear indication of the promising centre-half’s maturity.
A nephew of former St Patrick’s Athletic boss Eamonn Collins, he will look to hit the ground running at the beginning of next season.